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On Shabbat Teshuva, Rabbi Blachman explains that Torah is more than wisdom—it is our life. The problem that led to the Temple’s destruction wasn’t simply failing to say a blessing, but failing to truly value what Torah means. As Yom Kippur approaches, we’re reminded that teshuva is about coming closer to Hashem and approaching Torah, prayer, and mitzvot with greater meaning and pride.

Rabbi Kenney explains that teshuva means returning to Hashem by honestly reflecting on where we’ve gone off course. The yetzer hara keeps us busy and distracted so we don’t stop to think. Shabbos Teshuva gives us the quiet and clarity to reflect, reset, and enter Yom Kippur with greater focus and sincerity. This week is dedicated by the “Olami girls” in honor of Shana and all that she does for the OM community, and for a Refua Shlema for Esther bat Clara.

This week is dedicated by the “Olami girls” in honor of Shana and all that she does for the OM community, and for a Refua Shlema for Esther bat Clara Rabbi Zev explores why Rambam places the obligation of teshuva and vidui on Yom Kippur in Hilchos Teshuva rather than the laws of Yom Kippur. He explains that while Yom Kippur is a uniquely intense day devoted entirely to Hashem, teshuva is not limited to one day—it applies all year. Yom Kippur’s spiritual intensity gives us the strength to maintain a connection to Hashem throughout the rest of the year.

This week is dedicated by the “Olami girls” in honor of Shana and all that she does for the OM community, and for a Refua Shlema for Esther bat Clara Why is Rosh Hashanah only the beginning of the journey toward Yom Kippur. On the Fast of Gedaliah, we explores the murder of Gedaliah ben Achikam and how this tragedy led to the remaining Jews leaving the Land of Israel. He highlights lessons about the loss of a tzadik, lashon hara, internal Jewish conflict, and the dangers of being used as political pawns.

R' Tatz Special Episode! This episode is sponsored by Aaron Zelikovich in honor of rabbi Akiva Tatz. Rabbi Akiva Tatz explains why Rosh Hashanah, though a day of judgment and yearly “recreation,” is not focused on teshuva; instead, it centers on declaring Hashem as King. Teshuva is saved for Yom Kippur, while Rosh Hashanah is about returning to the root and resetting life’s agenda—being needed to willingly accept and express God’s kingship.

Rabbi Kenny - Episode 3

Rabbi Zev - Teshuvah Roots Episode 3. The shofar is a spiritual alarm clock, calling us to wake up, reflect, and do teshuva. The yetzer hara keeps us distracted so we don’t stop and think. The challenge is keeping that Rosh Hashanah inspiration alive all year. The mezuzah can serve as a daily reminder to reconnect with Hashem, while consistent Torah learning helps turn inspiration into lasting change.

Reb Arye - Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Prayer Shiur 3 The three main sections of Rosh Hashanah Mussaf: Malchiyot — accepting Hashem as our King; Zichronot — asking Hashem to remember the merits of the Jewish people, especially the Akedah; and Shofrot — remembering the shofar of Har Sinai and looking forward to the shofar of Mashiach. He closes with a blessing for answered prayers and a Shana Tova.

Rabbi Lynn - Today in Jewish History Episode 3. Rabbi Lynn shares highlights from Elul 21 in Jewish history and connects them to Rosh Hashanah. He discusses the first Jewish community in New Amsterdam, the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls in the time of Nehemiah, and why Rosh Hashanah is called the “birthday of the world.” Although creation began earlier, Rosh Hashanah marks the creation of humanity—and our unique ability to choose and find God even when He feels hidden.

Rabbi Ribner - Teshuvah from the Talmud Episode 3. The Aruch LaNer’s striking insight into why a Rosh Hashanah that falls on Shabbos can become a year of extraordinary blessing, or extraordinary danger.

Rabbi Blachman - Weekly torah Portion Episode 2

Rabbi Kenny - Getting in the High Holiday Mindset Episode 2. Rosh Hashanah is a powerful day that requires preparation. Rabbi Dessler teaches that Jewish holidays are not just reminders of the past—the spiritual energy of the original event returns each year. On the first Rosh Hashanah, Hashem created man and blew a soul into him. When we blow the shofar, we ask Hashem to renew us and give us the opportunity to become better in the new year. This week is sponsored by Remy fields in honor of a Refuah shlema for Naomi Ruth.

Rabbi Zev - Teshuvah Roots Episode 2.

Rabbi Lynn - Today in Jewish History Episode 2. Rabbi Lynn discusses the meaning of Chai Elul, the birthdays of the Baal Shem Tov and Baal HaTanya, and the yahrtzeit of the Maharal of Prague. He also reflects on the famous Golem story and connects it to Rosh Hashanah: we shouldn’t live on “autopilot,” but should work to live with greater purpose and holiness. This week is sponsored by Remy fields in honor of a Refuah shlema for Naomi Ruth.

Rabbi Ribner - Teshuvah from the Talmud Episode 2. On Pesach, we remove chametz, symbolizing leaving behind the yetzer hara and a lower way of life. On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we are already living a life of Torah, but we need to clean and repair what has become stained through our mistakes. This week is sponsored by Remy fields in honor of a Refuah shlema for Naomi Ruth.